THE TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2335, 26 March 1892, Page 2

THE TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Isn't there something ambiguous in Mr Blyth's suggestion to invite members of the Harbor Board holding different opinions to a public meeting I I thought that calling a public meeting covered an invitation to everybody, except women and children. If we were a little more civilised it would iuclude an ifr vitation to women also. But. I don't see what is to be gained by holding a public meeting re this shingle question beyond a display of local oratory. It is already quite evident that a largo majority of the ratepayers are against the enormous expenditure, and it is also quiteevident that a large majority of the members of the Harbor Board are determined to spend the public money regardless of public opinion. That is the true spirit of true-blue Toryism. They are tine fellows those Tories (about election times). They will give you splendid speeches, or kiss your wife, or shout for you, or even condescend, to be called your representatives; but you must not tliiuk that thay are- maro delegates, who are to be guided by the wishes of their constituents! That might oe respectable enough for a Radical, but it is far below the dignity of a Tory, They want to rule, Sir; to rule according to their own sweet will. h\ their exalted position they must know what is good for the people far bettor than the people do. The people, might have the piper to pay (and corves them right) for putting such men into such positions. There is only one way of getting over this shingleshifting trouble that I can think of, that is: To advertise in all the Home and papers that we, the ratepayers in South Canterbury, will not hold ourselves responsible for any debts contracted by the Timaru Harbor Board in connection with this shingle-shifting business. Thou, if they can borrow the money or get the machinery on tick the people can Hick them out of power when the time comes, and leave their creditors to make the best they can of them. They can't grew} at repudiation if they are notifi<|<i before they part with their money J&r goods.—l am, &c., Wat. L, Duncan,